UAE unveils new tougher rules for drone users

Following several incidents of drones being flown over no-fly zones in the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have released new stricter rules against drone usage in the country along with tougher fines if caught using it in an unauthorized area.

If you own one, you need to read this.

Following several incidents of drones being flown over no-fly zones in the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have released new stricter rules against drone usage in the country along with tougher fines if caught using it in an unauthorized area.

Starting this September, every imported drone in the country will now be placed on hold by UAE customs and will be checked if it matches the requirements set by the GCAA. Additionally, any devices in your luggage will also be stopped at the point of entry and checked if it conforms to the new rules.

The new rules now require you to have a serial number placed in the drone which could easily identify the owner in case of an accident. Additionally, a geo-fencing chip will also be placed inside the drone that will prevent it from being flown in restricted areas.

Assistant director general of the GCAA Ismail Al Balooshi said, “We are putting the control at the gates, and if a drone doesn’t meet the new standards then it can’t enter the country.”

The rule applies to everyone who owns a drone, whether it’s for personal or commercial purposes. So if you already own a drone, it needs to be retrofitted with the new geo-fencing chip.

Fines of up 20,000 AED will be given against owners of unlicensed drones and violators. Rules are already set for drone usage in the country, but these new tougher rules are meant to discourage the misuse of such gadgets.

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